An Executive MBA provides students with a range of knowledge and soft skills to become a better executive. Yet, in the world of IT, software programs and smartphone apps are also helping the busy EMBA executive improve systems, performance and output. QS TopExecutive takes a look at some useful technology for EMBA executives and what to look out for in 2012.

1. Big data storage
Once upon a time an Excel spreadsheet may have done the trick, but these days EMBA executives require something a little savvier to store all their data, particularly when images, audio files, and blog posts are as common as text documents and columns of statistics. As such, systems and software to handle ¡¥Big Data¡¦ storage, such as the Apache Hadoop software library, are in demand by busy executives. While it may require significant IT investment, the long-term benefits of being able to safely store and access information will mean EMBA executives and their employers get a valuable return on their investment.

2. Mobile payments
Everything else has gone mobile so we knew it wouldn¡¦t be long until it was possible to pay with your credit card simply by touching your phone. And that¡¦s exactly what Google Wallet enables you to do. Next time you¡¦re in a store that accepts Google Wallet you can make your purchase by either credit or debit card by tapping your phone which sends your payment information directly to the store. You won¡¦t miss out on your loyalty points either. For busy EMBA executives for whom every hour in the day counts, this takes time management to a whole new level!

3. Accounting made easy
There¡¦s no better time for a change than the New Year, and while some may say ¡¥if it ain¡¦t broke, don¡¦t fix it¡¦, most of us can¡¦t help ourselves when it comes to the latest technology. If you¡¦ve been keeping track of your invoicing and customer relationship management with help from Freshbooks, there¡¦s now a new player on the market providing some additional competition. Newly launched Websuite Pro allows you to access all your billing, invoicing and CRM requirements via any smartphone or smartpad technology. While it may not suit everyone, it at least gives the budding EMBA entrepreneur a choice.

4. Data usage
Just as it¡¦s important to keep an eye on incoming and outgoing expenses, EMBA execs should also be aware of their mobile technology data usage to avoid being hit with a hefty bill ¡V or perhaps even worse, slow internet speed! The days of unlimited data plans are quickly becoming a thing of the past but there are a number of apps that will help you stick within your data usage limit. Many of us don¡¦t use up our monthly allowance as it is, but handy apps such as 3G Watchdog or APNdroid will ensure you stay on top of it all.

5. Password security
We¡¦re all susceptible to internet hacking and many of us may already have been on the receiving end of credit card fraud or identity theft. Therefore, it¡¦s important to update your online security and perhaps even more so given the increasing compatibility of mobile technology. No longer are details stored on your smartphone inaccessible from your smartpad. While this certainly provides added convenience for the busy EMBA executive, it also increases your security risk. So protect your password ¡V and those EMBA study notes ¡V by increasing your online security. SplashID is just one app that provides proven protection for safe password management.

Key an eye on...
Blackberry: With a newly appointed chief executive and demands from company shareholders for a need to focus more on the consumer market, 2012 could spell a revival for Blackberry. Watch this space!

Windows 8: It wouldn¡¦t be a new year without a new version of Windows and version 8 looks set to simplify mobile networking. Will eight be the new magic number? Windows hasn¡¦t disappointed us yet.

Tablets: Let¡¦s not forget the ongoing tablet wars. Apple may dominate the market with its iPad, but Google is waiting in the wings and will likely pounce at some stage, heating up this rivalry yet again.

Summify: This handy summary of social news feeds that cured anyone suffering from information overload has been acquired by Twitter. So we¡¦ll now have to wait with bated breath to find out what exactly the Twitter stamp on Summify will mean for users.